Application of the CSP Approach and the Interval Computation for the Optimal Sizing of a Compression Spring

In this present study a new design approach based on intervals calculation method and Constraint Satisfaction Problem technique «CSP approach» was discussed. It has been applied in the design of a compression spring implemented in vehicle suspension system. Compared to what is done in conventionally design, the design process proposed avoid to go through two stages of sizing (static and dynamic of design steps), since with the CSP, static and dynamic requirements can beings coupled in the same step of sizing. Also it avoids falling on the loop "design-simulate-back to the initial step in case of failure", as in the CSP all requirements imposed can be integrated from the beginning. Therefore the design parameters values of the compression spring generated by CSP verify all requirements imposed and the results simulation of the system behavior are always success and respect all constraints required. The general idea of the design process proposed consists to express the design variables by interval, integrate all different types of constraints imposed before simulation step and finally to solve the problem by CSP approach. The intervals generated by CSP represent the domains of possible values ​​for the design variables of the system which satisfy the requirements imposed. The results obtained in this work affirmed that the suggested method is valid.